The conflict between man and elephant has been going on for ages in a state like Assam, wherein, depletion of forest cover and food for this Class II species, has been a topic of unanswered debate. A similar incident was witnessed in South Assam’s Patharkandi constituency under Karimganj district of Assam, when a wild elephant losing track of its herd entered a human habitat, creating fear and panic among the helpless villagers.

This has been a regular feature in this area which has forced the villagers to cut their paddy land ahead of the harvesting season. Repeated plea to the forest officials has not solved the problem as these wild elephants sometimes turn up during the day or at night stated a villager. These elephants in the quest for food, rampage whatever there is in there sight, and for all of these, leave many residents strangled or seriously injured in the mayhem. It is alleged by the villagers that these elephants stray to the Indian side every six months from adjoining Bangladesh.

Debojyoti Nath, Patharkandi Range Officer informed that though this time after few rounds of blank fire they could manage the elephant to leave human habitat, but, its plight and health conditions, seeking food, needs a lot to be desired. Nath, however, said that it is of relief that no one is hurt and that they could chase the elephant to the wild. The elephant also sees to be doing fine and was not hurt.